Rock Gap

The Nantahala National Forest is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina and is the the second wettest region in the country – after the Pacific Northwest. The word “Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “Land of the Noonday Sun.” In some spots, the sun only reaches the floors of the deep gorges in the middle of the day. The National Forest has 531,270 acres with elevation ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along the Hiwassee River.  Rock Gap is a well-known access point and resting spot on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin, North Carolina. Located at mile 105.8 of the AT, it serves as a critical juncture for hikers traversing the Standing Indian Mountain loop or those making a popular 7.2-mile trek north to Winding Stair Gap. 

Rock Gap Shelter is a classic Appalachian Trail (AT) refuge located at mile 105.8 in North Carolina, roughly 4 miles north of the Standing Indian Shelter. This stone-and-wood lean-to is situated at an elevation of 3,750 feet. It is highly convenient for those needing a quick exit, as it sits only a short distance from the Rock Gap parking area on Forest Service Road 67.  This is a short hike on the Appalachian Trail near Wallace Gap and old US 64. The trailhead is only a short distance from Rock Gap which is located just down the road from Wallace Gap and on the way to the Standing Indian Campground. After a brief hike, double blue blazes mark Rock Gap Shelter which is a small structure that sleeps 6-8 hikers with a recently remodeled patio complete with picnic table and fire pit. A privy and a spring are located within a short distance of the shelter.